It is the purpose and intent of the City of Tacoma to strongly encourage all people using human-powered and/or motorized bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, and similar modes to wear a helmet. Helmets are effective; they reduce the risk of serious brain injuries and death. The City recommends helmets for people of all ages and particularly for youth, who have higher rates of bicycle injuries requiring emergency care. While the City strongly advises that all people using active transportation wear helmets, especially children; nevertheless, the City recognizes that helmet laws for these modes are not the most equitable or effective strategy to maximize positive public health outcomes. While helmets are no longer required by law in the City of Tacoma, the City will continue efforts to reduce barriers to accessing helmets and educate the community about why and how to wear helmets. The City also recognizes that helmets are just one strategy to improve active transportation safety; the City will continue to pursue a multi-faceted approach, including engineering, education, and encouragement, to enhance the safety of its transportation system. It is not the purpose or intent of this section to supersede Washington State helmet laws, including helmet laws for motorcycles, mopeds, or motor-driven cycles, which remain in effect in the City of Tacoma.
(Ord. 25507 § 1, 1994-06-07; Ord. 26885 § 1, 2001-12-04; Ord. 28678 Ex. C, 2020-07-20)